Treating Whiplash Syndrome: Beyond the Initial Injury
Did you know that what starts as a simple neck injury can develop into a complex chronic condition known as Whiplash Syndrome? While many people recover from the initial whiplash injury within a few months, some develop persistent symptoms that can significantly impact their quality of life. At CMC Orthopaedics, Dr. Simone Maybin, who is board-certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and fellowship-trained in Interventional Spine through Johns Hopkins University, offers advanced treatment options for this often misunderstood condition. Let’s explore the complexities of Whiplash Syndrome and how Dr. Maybin’s specialized care can help restore your quality of life.
What Is Whiplash Syndrome?
Whiplash Syndrome, also called Whiplash Associated Disorder (WAD), is a collection of symptoms that persist long after the initial neck injury. Unlike a simple whiplash injury, this syndrome can become a chronic condition affecting multiple areas of your health and daily function. It typically develops following trauma to the neck, most commonly from auto accidents, but can also result from sports injuries or falls.
Are You Living with Undiagnosed Whiplash Syndrome?
Many people don’t realize they’re suffering from Whiplash Syndrome because they’ve simply accepted their chronic pain as “normal” or “something they have to live with.” Perhaps you were in a car accident years ago, and while the initial neck pain improved, you’ve been dealing with persistent headaches, neck stiffness, or unexplained fatigue ever since. You might have even forgotten about the accident that triggered it all. It’s important to know that these ongoing symptoms aren’t something you just have to endure – they could be signs of Whiplash Syndrome that can be properly diagnosed and treated by a specialist like Dr. Maybin.
If you experience any of the following, even years after an accident or injury, you should consider being assessed:
- Unexplained neck and shoulder tension that won’t go away
- Difficulty turning your head fully while driving
- Regular sleep disturbances
- Persistent feelings of dizziness or balance problems
- Unexplained arm tingling or numbness
- Jaw pain or clicking
Why Do Some People Develop Whiplash Syndrome?
Several factors can contribute to the development of this chronic condition:
- Severity of the initial trauma
- Pre-existing neck or spine conditions
- Delayed treatment of the initial injury
- Individual pain sensitivity
- Psychological factors like stress and anxiety
- Genetic predisposition to chronic pain conditions
Complex Symptoms of Whiplash Syndrome
Whiplash Syndrome goes far beyond neck pain. Patients often experience a constellation of symptoms:
- Chronic neck pain and stiffness that won’t go away with standard treatment
- Neurological symptoms like tingling and numbness in the arms
- Dizziness and balance problems
- Visual disturbances
- Cognitive difficulties (often called “brain fog”)
- Sleep disturbances
- Psychological symptoms like anxiety and depression
- Chronic fatigue
- Upper back and shoulder pain
Dr. Maybin’s Comprehensive Approach
Understanding that Whiplash Syndrome is a complex condition requiring specialized care, Dr. Maybin offers a multi-faceted treatment approach:
Advanced Diagnostic Assessment
- Detailed physical examination
- Assessment of neurological symptoms
- Evaluation of range of motion
- Pain pattern analysis
- Review of imaging studies
Targeted Treatment Options
Interventional Procedures
- Medial branch blocks for facet joint pain
- Botox injections for chronic muscle spasms
- Trigger point injections for myofascial pain
- Radiofrequency ablation
Physical Medicine Approaches
- Specialized physical therapy focusing on cervical stabilization
- Postural re-education
- Proprioception training
- Manual therapy techniques
- Nerve gliding exercises
Comprehensive Pain Management
- Customized medication plans when needed
- Biofeedback therapy
- Pain coping strategies
- Sleep hygiene improvement
- Stress management techniques
Accessing Specialized Pain Management and Care
To receive treatment from Dr. Maybin:
- You’ll need a referral from your primary care provider (PCP)
- Your PCP should document your chronic symptoms and any previous treatments
- If you don’t have a PCP, CMC Primary Care welcomes new patients throughout Horry County
- Once referred, you’ll receive a comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plan
To find a CMC Primary Care location near you and start your journey toward pain relief, visit our website or call 843-347-8000.
Breaking the Chronic Pain Cycle
Many patients with Whiplash Syndrome describe feeling trapped in a never-ending cycle of pain. Morning stiffness leads to compensatory postures, which cause muscle tension, leading to a host of other symptoms that make it harder to manage pain… and the cycle continues day after day. What makes Dr. Maybin’s approach unique is her ability to intervene at multiple points in this cycle, using a combination of treatments that complement each other to provide overall relief.
Whiplash Syndrome can create a cycle of pain, muscle tension, and decreased function. Dr. Maybin’s comprehensive approach aims to break this cycle by:
- Addressing both physical and neurological symptoms
- Treating underlying pain generators
- Improving cervical spine function
- Restoring normal movement patterns
- Managing chronic pain effectively
Your Path to Recovery
Living with Whiplash Syndrome can be frustrating and debilitating, but there is hope. With proper diagnosis and targeted treatment, many patients experience significant improvement in their symptoms and quality of life.
If you’re experiencing chronic symptoms following a neck injury, don’t wait to seek help. Start by consulting your primary care provider or finding one at CMC Primary Care. The sooner you begin specialized treatment with Dr. Simone Maybin at CMC Orthopaedics, the better your chances of managing this complex condition successfully.
Dr. Simone Maybin
Fellowship trained in Interventional Spine at Johns Hopkins Hospital
A Top 20 under 40 honoree by the North American Spine Society in 2021
Dr. Maybin graduated from the United States Air Force Academy with a bachelor’s degree in Biology. She earned her medical degree from The Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, SC. Following medical school, Dr. Maybin completed her Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation residency training at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN. After residency, she completed a fellowship in Interventional Spine and Musculoskeletal Medicine at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD.
